§ 41. Mr. JANNERasked the Minister of Health what are the average rents of a three-bedroom non-parlour type house, built under the Housing Act, 1924, and subsidised by his Department, provided by the Ilford Corporation, the Dagenham 1858 Urban District Council, and the London County Council on its Becontree estate, respectively?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH(Mr. Shakespeare)My right hon. Friend is informed by the authorities concerned that the figures are as follow:
| s. | d. | |
| Ilford Corporation | 5 | 9 |
| Dagenham Urban District Council | 6 | 10 |
| London County Council Estate at Becontree | 9 | 5 |
§ Mr. JANNERWhy is there this big difference between the third rent mentioned and the two other rents?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREIf the hon. Member compares houses built at different periods, with differing costs and prices of money, he will find that there is a difference in the rents.
§ Mr. JANNERDoes the hon. Gentleman suggest that these houses were built at different times; and has he made any inquiry from the London County Council as to the reason for the increase?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREIn the case of the first two authorities the houses were built since 1930. As regards the other question, my hon. Friend will have to look up an answer which I have already given on that subject.
§ Sir PERCY HARRISWhile recognising the cause of the difference, may I ask the hon. Gentleman to make representations to the London County Council in favour of bringing the rents down to a, more reasonable level where neighbouring houses are let at lower rents?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREI said last week that our concern is to see that the maximum under the 1924 Act is not exceeded. Subject to that the rent level is a matter for the local authority.